7 of the Longest Living Animals on Earth

Photo by: Jim Schulz/Chicago Zoological Society

Cockatoos - Average Life Span 40 - 60 Years

The average life span for a cockatoo in captivity is between 40 and 60 years, which is pretty impressive. But Cookie, the Major Mitchell's cockatoo pictured here, just celebrated his 79th birthday at the Brookfield Zoo in Chicago on June 30. This makes him what is believed to be the world's oldest living Major Mitchell's cockatoo in professional care.

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Photo by: Jim Schulz/Chicago Zoological Society

Cockatoos - Average Life Span 40 - 60 Years

The average life span for a cockatoo in captivity is between 40 and 60 years, which is pretty impressive. But Cookie, the Major Mitchell's cockatoo pictured here, just celebrated his 79th birthday at the Brookfield Zoo in Chicago on June 30. This makes him what is believed to be the world's oldest living Major Mitchell's cockatoo in professional care.

This charismatic cockatoo arrived at the zoo in 1934 and is one of the their most famous animals. He even has his own legion of fans called "Cookie's groupies."

So will Cookie make it to the big 8-0? Although he's had some sinus issues recently, there's no need to worry: Tim Snyder, curator of birds for the Chicago Zoological Society says, "Cookie's health over the past year has been good."

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